*MR. ALFRED DAVIES (Carmarthen Boroughs)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, as representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will state in how many districts of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony commissions have been appointed on which there are representatives of the local inhabitants and under the presidency of a magistrate or other official for the purpose of assisting the restoration of the people to their homes, and supplying those who, owing to war losses, are unable to provide themselves with food, shelter, and the necessary amount of seed, stock, and implements for the resumption of their normal occupations as per Clause 10 of the Articles of Peace; and further, in the event of these commissions not having been appointed, will he say what local authorities are entrusted with these duties and the administration of the free grant of £3,000,000 to the Boers.
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN, () Worcestershire, E.916 It was intended to appoint such a Commission in each district of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony. This has been done in the latter Colony, and doubtless also in the former, although the Colonial Office has not yet received information as to three of the Transvaal districts.
*MR. ALFRED DAVIESMay I ask what body is distributing the funds in the Transvaal where Commissions have not been appointed.
*MR. ALFRED DAVIESBut "doubtless" is hardly a good enough answer for the British public. Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not think it necessary to make any inquiry. The Colonial Government is quite competent to deal with this matter.